Palm Springs
Surrounded by four picturesque mountain ranges and long sought-after by travelers for its inspiring scenery and sense of adventure, Palm Springs is Southern Caifornia’s most storied resort oasis. Palm Springs encompasses nine cities — Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella — each offering its own blend of experiences as endless as our blue skies.
At its heart, Palm Springs is both exhilaration and chill. And with an array of accommodations, from sprawling hotels and resorts, and awe inspiring boutique hotels, there’s room for every type of traveler to unpack, unwind and find their oasis.
The Basics
TIME
GMT -8 (GMT -7 from March to November).
ELECTRICITY
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
LANGUAGE
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
TRAVEL HEALTH
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
TIPPING
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.
Attractions
You’ll discover plenty of things to do in Greater Palm Springs. Thanks to the abundance of sunny days and warm winter weather, Greater Palm Springs is a year-round playground for those who enjoy being active—and those who don’t.
From amazing art and culture to incredible outdoor adventures, you'll find plenty of things to do during your stay.
If you prefer rest and relaxation, you can simply chill out in one of our many sparkling pools. Lounge poolside or in one of the area’s VIP cabanas while sipping a designer, chef-crafted cocktail.
Or you can tee off at one of the more than 110 local golf courses, swing a tennis racquet on the same tennis courts where legends have played, find your bliss at an area spa, explore the desert on a sightseeing tour, wow the kids with a trip to The Living Desert zoo and garden, or visit museums and boutique shops in Palm Springs.
Eating Out
The flavors and tastes of Greater Palm Springs are as varied as the nine cities and eateries that make up this Southern California oasis—from charming cafes lining downtown Palm Springs to fine dining restaurants in Palm Desert’s El Paseo shopping district.
The destination’s rich agricultural bounty and world-class resorts draw the most innovative chefs from around the globe, who specialise in fresh, farm-to-table fare and serve creative twists on American classics and international cuisine.
Nightlife
Once the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up in Palm Springs. Whether you want to sip on handcrafted cocktails, listen to live music at a local brewery, dance the night away (at least until last call) or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends, local clubs and lounges offer endless possibilities. In Palm Springs, you’ll find everything from late-night dance parties and karaoke nights to inspired mixology and speakeasy-style bars.
Climate
Sunny clear blue skies is in the Palm Springs weather forecast almost every day of the year. Rain is very rare (and almost never in the forecast). Although they did see several rainy days in 2017. However, very much needed and the rain comes and goes periodcially throughout the day.
LGBT+ Customs
The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people differ hugely across the country. In recent years, Palm Springs has experienced a huge influx of new Gay residents and Gay businesses. The Gay population is now estimated at more than 50 percent of the annual resident population. Today the City of Palm Springs has the highest per capita gay population in the US, if not the world.
Health
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.
All Travellers
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Country specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.
Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the ‘Green Book’ Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.
Certificate Requirements
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
Most Travellers
The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Tetanus
Some Travellers
The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Rabies
Unfortunately no tours were found.